Rep. Jarrells to serve as co-chair of the Ohio Legislative Mental Health Caucus

State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) today announced he will serve as co-chair of the Legislative Mental Health Caucus for the 134th General Assembly. He will replace Rep. Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus) who has diligently served as co-chair since 2019.  

“It is truly my honor to accept the invitation to be one of the Ohio House co-chairs for the Mental Health Caucus. For many Ohioans, access to high quality mental health services is simply out of reach. Additionally, communities bearing the heaviest mental health burdens are often communities that face the steepest barriers to accessing equitable mental health treatment and support. I am proud to work alongside my colleagues to transform our mental health system in Ohio and redress the structural inequities within our mental health policies,” said Rep. Jarrells.

The Ohio Legislative Mental Health Caucus was launched in 2009 and serves as a bipartisan forum where General Assembly members, their staff and advocates can work together to elevate mental health issues. The caucus provides opportunities for legislators to address mental health policies, build knowledge and demonstrate their commitment to the health of their community. The caucus fosters dialogue and partnership between advocates and policymakers.

The Mental Health Caucus meetings occur two to four times annually. It is a forum for learning and communication that includes:

• Education on key issues from individual, caregiver, and provider perspectives;
• Informative topics that aim to reduce stigma and increase access to mental health services;
• Helping legislative leadership draw together key decision-makers at the table with advocates.

The next meeting will be held on May 17, 2021 at 9 a.m. To attend this meeting, please contact Tonya Fulwider at tfulwider@mhaohio.org.